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Selling or junking a car in Rhode Island

What Rhode Island requires when you sell or junk a car: signing the title, selling without one, duplicate titles, release of liability and plates. Each answer links to the official source.

Checked against official sources in October 2026 · Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV)

How do I sign over a car title in Rhode Island?

For model year 2001 and newer, the seller signs the title over on the back and writes in the current mileage. The seller also gives the buyer a bill of sale showing year, make, model, VIN, color and price, signed with the seller's address. RI DMV's private-sale checklist does not call for notarizing the title or bill of sale. Notarization applies when a co-owner can't be present at registration and for gift letters from non-immediate family.

Can I sell or junk a car without a title in Rhode Island?

For model year 2001 and newer, you need the title; if you lost it, apply for a duplicate at the Cranston DMV first. For model year 2000 and older vehicles that were never titled, the DMV accepts proof of previous ownership, such as a registration certificate or paid sales tax form, with a bill of sale. Under RIGL §31-42-7, an owner whose registration is faulty, lost or destroyed may sell the vehicle to a demolisher with a police certificate of authority, or without one if the vehicle is over 8 years old, has no engine or is totally inoperable. Licensed wrecking and salvage yards must verify the seller's identity and record the VIN (230-RICR-30-05-5).

How do I get a duplicate title in Rhode Island?

Use the Application for Title (TR-2/TR-9). The fee is $53.50, which includes a $3.50 technology surcharge. Only the owner on the title may apply; if a lien is still open, the lienholder applies. Include an original lien release if a lien was recorded on the title. Duplicates are processed only at DMV Headquarters in Cranston and can take up to 90 days.

Do I need to file a release of liability in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island has no notice-of-sale form. Instead, cancel the registration and plates when you sell, to avoid excise taxes and insurance-related fines. You can cancel online and keep the confirmation email, or use a branch drop box or certified mail and keep the TR-3 receipt.

What do I do with the plates after selling a car in Rhode Island?

Plates stay with the seller and should be cancelled. You can cancel online; don't bring online-cancelled plates to the DMV, and they may be destroyed or recycled. You can also mail the plates by certified mail to RI DMV, Attn: Plate Office, 600 New London Ave, Cranston, RI 02920, or leave them in a branch drop box with an Affidavit for Cancellation of Registration and a copy of your photo ID or registration. Branches no longer accept cancelled plates at the counter.

What happens to the title when a car is junked or salvaged in Rhode Island?

Under RIGL §31-46-3, if repairs would cost more than 75% of the vehicle's fair market value and it is less than seven years past its manufacture date, the owner must return the title to the DMV within 10 days and get a salvage certificate of title. The DMV salvage title fee is $53.50. Insurers that take a total-loss vehicle must turn in the title and get a salvage title within 10 days (§31-46-1). A restored salvage vehicle is retitled 're-constructed salvage' after inspection (§31-46-4).

What can I do about an abandoned vehicle on my property in Rhode Island?

A vehicle left on private property without the owner's consent for more than three days is 'abandoned' (RIGL §31-42-1). The property owner can apply to the local police, with a sworn statement, for authority to sell or dispose of it to a demolisher. Police follow the notice steps in §31-42-3, and the property owner can skip them if the vehicle is over 8 years old, has no engine or is totally inoperable (§31-42-7). The person who left the vehicle is liable for removal costs (§31-22-13).

Official sources

  1. RI DMV - New Registration
  2. RI DMV - Frequently Asked Questions
  3. RI DMV - Titles
  4. RI DMV - Cancel Plates / Registration
  5. RI DMV - Registration & Title Fees
  6. RIGL §31-46-1 Duty of insurance company
  7. RIGL §31-46-3 Salvage by non-insurer
  8. RIGL §31-46-4 Restoration
  9. RIGL §31-42-1 Abandoned motor vehicles - definitions
  10. RIGL §31-42-3 Notification of owner and lienholders
  11. RIGL §31-42-7 Disposal to demolishers
  12. RIGL §31-22-13 Abandoned vehicles - liability
  13. 230-RICR-30-05-5 Auto Wrecking and Salvage Yards

This guide summarizes public rules and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles (RI DMV) before you sell.

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